by Athirah Sofea
If you are wondering if there is a typo in the title, there isn’t – it is intentionally spelled that way.
The ‘s-e-e‘ in SEEcrets stands for Saying thanks, Encourage and Empathy.
My team and I were given a workplace mission to practise mindfulness by consciously paying more attention to our surroundings, making it a point to speak up in meetings or discussions, and acknowledging the efforts of our team members. During this period, we were reminded to make it a point to support each other by incorporating these three concepts into our workplace.
In a fast-paced corporate environment, we often find ourselves constantly trying to juggle deadlines and meetings, while striking a work-life balance. I have discovered that corporate agility is an important skill in today’s business landscape, and it can be cultivated through mindful communication. Moreover, mindfulness can be a powerful tool for fostering appreciation, encouragement, and empathy – the fundamental elements that are essential for a successful collaboration and sustained work relationships.
Saying Thanks
One of the simplest yet most impactful ways to cultivate mindful communication is by saying thanks. Amidst our busy schedule and multiple tasks, it is easy to overlook the efforts of our colleagues. However, taking a moment to genuinely appreciate their contributions can work wonders.
Instead of moving on to the next item on the agenda, pause and express your gratitude when a colleague contributes an idea during a discussion. Cultivate appreciation by saying something as simple as, “Thank you for sharing that idea”. This small act of appreciation not only acknowledges their effort but also encourages further engagement.
Encourage
Mindfulness teaches us to be present and attentive. When someone offers a suggestion or comment, seize the opportunity to encourage them. Be specific to acknowledge what was valuable in their contribution. For instance, “That was an interesting take and your perspective on efficiency is exactly what we need to consider.” This kind of encouragement will not only boost their confidence but also motivate them to continue contributing.
Empathy
In the realm of corporate agility, how you say something can be even more critical than what you say. This is where empathy comes into play. Mindfulness encourages us to be fully present in our interactions, and this presence can be conveyed into empathetic communication.
Consider a situation where you need to provide constructive feedback to a colleague. Instead of delivering it as a matter of fact, approach the conversation with empathy, after all it is the heart of an effective communication. Acknowledge their efforts by saying, “I can see the hard work you’ve put into this but let’s work together to find a solution.” This approach shows that you value the relationship and are committed to finding mutually beneficial solutions.
Mindfulness isn’t just a personal practice; it is a powerful tool for enhancing corporate agility. By incorporating appreciation, encouragement, and empathy into our daily interactions, we can nurture a workplace culture that thrives on collaboration and innovation. These mindful practices can make all the difference in the corporate world.
So, the next time you find yourself in a corporate setting, always remember the impact these values have on your team, it does not only promote corporate agility but also sustain valuable work relationships that can drive success in any industry.
